Device casing with built-in retractable mechanism

ABSTRACT

A protective casing for a mobile computing device includes a retractable mechanism integrating a thin, sliding, front surface cover with a fixed back panel. The retractable assembly includes a substantially robust spring torsion system secured on a metallic shaft at one end, and on a cylindrical barrel at the other. In one arrangement, this design allows the front panel of the case to slide open laterally with a slight prod, exposing the display screen of the device. In yet another arrangement, the front panel can be drawn back to a closed position by a minimal pull to the reverse direction until it unites with a locking mechanism at the opposite end. The casing is molded in a manner that it follows the shape of the device and allows strategically placed cut-outs to be created for easy access to the device&#39;s side buttons, openings and slots.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of mobile computing devices, and in particular, to a protective casing for a mobile device including a retractable barrel mechanism that is integrally formed with the casing. These storage casings serve to guard the mobile devices from bumps, dents, scratches, falls and other minor collisions that are likely to be encountered from daily use. They also serve to protect devices from harsh weather conditions and other external elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In this era of new technology, the evolution of digital portable devices is continuously accelerating with newer gadgets getting more sophisticated and feature-packed. Mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, multimedia players and other electronic devices are steadily developing as functions from one device are incorporated into the other, resulting in the introduction of more advanced gadgets. These devices have been intricately manufactured to deliver extra powerful features, albeit making it more fragile, thus increasing the demand for sturdy protection whilst maintaining ease of handling and use.

The market thrives with multiple casing designs that offer varying levels of protection while serving as a storage unit. However, some of these designs have current limitations, including the need for users to remove the casing before gaining access to the device's buttons or keys. Although some casings may allow for the device to be operated without removal, these are typically designed with a flap cover, making it undesirable and impractical for everyday use.

The retractable front cover design substantially addresses the constraints noted above, while still providing ample protection and storage capabilities.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a retractable torsion mechanism is incorporated integrally into the portable casing, allowing the front cover to slide in a lateral motion and provide user access to the device screen. The invention can be scaled to fit any handheld, portable device. It can be made by light-weight and durable materials, having a sturdy exterior and a soft internal lining to prevent scratches to the device and offer shock-absorbing mechanism. Individual openings for external buttons, pin connector slots, attachments and the like are also provisioned and can be fully customized. This invention combines convenience with practicality. It allows for devices to be used without removal, with very little addition to the device size and weight, and its unique retractable front panel permits it to be used practically anywhere.

Compared with other cases currently available in the market, this invention truly stands out, having the distinct combined advantage of convenience and portability. This is made possible by the torsion-technology via the retractable torsion barrel. The invention's opening and closing mechanical actuations is integrally engineered with the body of the invention. As such, this unique feature distinguishes the invention from traditional device casings, as there are no obtrusive mechanisms like hinges, flaps, zippers, magnetic contacts, buttons, Velcro straps and the like.

The invention's front panel slides in a lateral motion, opens and closes with a slight prod/push of a finger, providing access to the device's display screen. The panel slides via slots transversally located of the casing, running its entire length. These slots guide the panel's lateral motion every time the case is opened and closed. Opening the case, the front panel slides smoothly, rolling flush into the torsion spool/barrel. This action reveals the device's display screen and permits the user to freely operate the device without removal from the case. Reversing the action slides the panel back in the closed position. Latching mechanisms secure the front panel firmly in position.

Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the arrangement and instrumentalities shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1 is an isometric representation of the casing according to the present invention, including the retractable mechanism. It shows the product (1) the retractable torsion barrel (2), and the sliding front panel (3). Openings for external buttons (4), speakers (5) and auxiliary ports (6) are also provided. Slots (7) transversally located of the invention guide the front panel's lateral sliding motion.

Referring to FIG. 2 shows the invention's top view. It shows the retractable torsion barrel (2) and the front panel (3). The procedure for opening and closing the invention is narrated thus. As the front panel (3) opens from the closed position, it smoothly slides and rolls into the retractable barrel (2) enabled by the torsion spring (9). This provides convenient user access to the device's display screen inside the invention. Any device secured within the invention can, thus, be conveniently used without removal. Closing the front panel (3) is through the reverse direction. The front panel (3) smoothly slides out of the retractable barrel and back in its original position, securing the device within the invention. The torsion system, therefore, integrates convenience, portability and ease of use. The torsion spring (9) can also be viewed in this diagram mounted on a metal shaft (10) positioned longitudinal of the torsion barrel (2).

Referring to FIG. 3 shows the longitudinal-section diagram of part of the torsion barrel (2) assembly. The torsion barrel (2) is composed of an aluminum barrel housing (8) and a thin torsion spring (9). The torsion spring (9) is mounted on a fixed metal shaft (10) positioned longitudinal of the torsion barrel (2). The retractable action is made possible through the stored mechanical energy in the torsion spring (9).

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional diagram of the torsion barrel (2). The torsion barrel (2) is encased in a lightweight and sturdy aluminum barrel housing (8). The cross-section view of the metal shaft (10) can also be seen in this diagram. 

1. A device casing engineered with a built-in torsion system, sporting a strong and lightweight exterior with an inner lining made of soft material to protect the device against scratches and indentation.
 2. A device casing, according to claim 1, integrated with a torsion system technology that allows for a retractable front panel serving as shield for the device's display screen.
 3. A device casing , according to claim 1, that has a rigid exterior constructed with a combination of strong, lightweight materials such as but not limited to, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel and/or other metals, leather, faux pas leather, wood, plastics and its synthetic and semi-synthetic amorphous organic variations, cloth and other fabrics.
 4. A device casing according to claim 1, having a sliding front panel easily opens and closes laterally with a slight prod/push of a finger, protecting the display screen from dust, dirt, scratches, watermarks, cracks and other harmful elements
 5. A device casing, according to claim 1, having a fixed back panel as part of the body of the invention, constructed with a combination of strong, lightweight materials such as but not limited to, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel and/or other metals, leather, faux pas leather, wood, plastics and its synthetic and semi-synthetic amorphous organic variations, cloth and other fabrics.
 6. A device casing, according to claim 1, having slots located in a transversal position of the case that guides the lateral motion of the front panel. These slots run the entire length of the case.
 7. A device casing, according to claim 1, with a soft internal lining that protects the device from bumps, scratches, dents, falls and other minor collisions.
 8. A device casing, according to claim 1, that has cut-out openings for external buttons, ports, speakers and other device features that needs to be accessed externally.
 9. A device casing according to claim 1, with removable safety belt straps, allowing the case to be completely portable.
 10. A device casing, according to claim 2, featuring a torsion-powered spool/barrel made of sturdy, lightweight material, specially engineered to allow the front panel to roll flush into the spool/barrel.
 11. A device casing according to claim 4, having a front panel that opens laterally, retracting flush into the torsion barrel and closes in the reverse direction, locking in place with latch mechanisms.
 12. A device casing, according to claim 2, having a retractable barrel that is built with a lightweight but sturdy external aluminum housing. This external housing serves to protect the torsion assembly within the barrel.
 13. A device casing, according to claim 4, with a front panel partially or completely made of sturdy and flexible material composed of, but not limited to, plastics and its synthetic and semi-synthetic variants, aluminum, titanium and other metals, wood, leather and faux pas leather, cloth and other fabrics.
 14. A device casing, according to claim 10, having a retractable barrel, specially designed with a torsion spring, utilizing stored mechanical energy to allow for front panel retraction.
 15. A device casing, according to claim 11, integrating latch mechanisms that secures the front panel firmly in the opened and closed positions.
 16. A device casing, according to claim 14, designed with a torsion spring, mounted onto a metal shaft, running longitudinal of the torsion barrel. 